Abstract

Introduction A recent systematic review has concluded that vaccinating against human papillomavirus (HPV) does not lead to risky behaviours among females but there has been no studies examining this association among men who have sex with men (MSM). We aimed to examine the association between sexual behaviours and HPV vaccination status among men who have sex with men.

Methods We analysed MSM aged 16–40 years attending a sexual health centre in Australia for their first visit in 2016. Chi-squared test was used to examine the differences in sexual behaviours (e.g. number of male partners and condom use in last 3 and 12 months) between vaccinated and unvaccinated MSM.

Results A total of 1332 MSM were included in the analysis with a median age of 27 (IQR 23–31). Six percent (n=81) of MSM had been vaccinated against HPV. The median number of male partners in the last 3 and 12 months was 2 (IQR 1–5) and 5 (2–10), respectively. The proportion of men used condoms always in the last 3 and 12 months was 39.2% (n=797) and 36.5% (n=774), respectively. There were no significant differences in number of partners and always condom use in both last 3 and 12 months between vaccinated and unvaccinated MSM (p>0.05).

Discussion Vaccinating against HPV is not associated with increased sexual activity and condomless anal sex practice among MSM, particularly among sexually-active men attending a sexual health service.

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